Washington, DC - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) officially launched a 501(c)3 public charity this month in order to expand its mission of educating entrepreneurs and veterans on the basics of entrepreneurship.

Although its mission has long been to support economic development, including the promotion of entrepreneurship throughout the U.S. mainland and in Puerto Rico, the high demand for the NPRChamber’s recently launched educational series serving Puerto Ricans, other minorities, and Hispanic veterans around the U.S. has led to the need for the new charitable arm. 

 “Given the economic concerns of Puerto Ricans within Puerto Rico, as well as those who feel they have no choice but to leave the island, there have been few times in history that have seen a greater need for resources, tools, and educational opportunities that can help others create their own businesses, support our communities, and help grow our economy,” said Justin Vélez-Hagan, executive director and founder of the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce. 

“As a 501(c)6 chamber of commerce, we were able to organize and support small business interests throughout the U.S.  However, by establishing a charitable component, we will be able to offer more of the educational services that so many need across the country, especially within the growing Puerto Rican diaspora as well as those who remain on our beloved island.”

NPRChamber will launch a new series of entrepreneurship webinars to combine with an expansion of its local workshop series and annual Hispanic Veteran Entrepreneurship Training (HVET) program beginning in early 2016.  For more information on the location and dates of upcoming events, please email Info@NPRChamber.org.  To make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit www.NPRChamber.org/donate.

About The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRChamber) is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and economic development throughout the U.S.  Feel free to contact the NPRChamber via email:  PublicRelations@NPRChamber.org.